Camera array system and method to detect a load status of a semi-trailer truck

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are a method, a device and/or a system of utilizing a camera array system to detect a load status of a semi-trailer truck. A sensor array is affixed to a surface of a trailer of the semi-trailer truck to automatically determine whether a cargo area of the semi-trailer truck is occupied. A set of cameras of the sensor array have each camera embedded in individual recesses of the sensor array. The cargo area is illuminated using at least one light source of the sensor array. A memory and a processor associated with the sensor array are configured to store one baseline image of the cargo area of the trailer in an empty state. The processor is configured to detect a triggering event. The processor determines a cargo status based upon a difference between the current image and the baseline image, and sends the cargo status to a dispatcher.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

This disclosure relates generally to automotive technology and, moreparticularly, to a method, a device and/or a system of utilizing acamera array system to detect a load status of a semi-trailer truck.

BACKGROUND

A transportation service provider (e.g., a logistics provider) may becompensated based on a type of goods being carried inside a cargo areaof a trailer of a transportation vehicle (e.g., a semi-trailer truck).Therefore, the transportation service provider may seek to maximize autilization of space inside of a cargo area of the trailer. Sensors(e.g. weight sensors, wave sensors, ultrasound sensors) employed in aninterior space of the cargo area may not be able detect color patternsor types of cargo.

Further, these sensors may not be able to detect exactly where in thetrailer the cargo is located. Moreover, these sensors may not provide areliable view of what is exactly happening inside of the trailer. As aresult, new problems may arise such as a driver may embark on longjourneys, when, in fact, their cargo area is filled with the wrong typeof cargo (e.g., may even be empty). This may lead to wasted time, fuel,efficiency, customer dissatisfaction, and/or ultimately, loss of revenuefor the transportation services provider.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are a method, a device and/or a system of utilizing a cameraarray system to detect a load status of a semi-trailer truck.

In one aspect, a trailer of a semi-trailer truck includes a sensor arrayaffixed to a surface of the trailer to automatically determine whether acargo area of the semi-trailer truck is occupied. The trailer of thesemi-trailer truck includes a set of cameras of the sensor array. Eachcamera of the set of cameras is each embedded in individual recesses ofthe sensor array such that each of the set of cameras does not protrudefrom the sensor array into the cargo area and/or each of the set ofcameras peers into the cargo area of the semi-trailer truck. The trailerof the semi-trailer truck further includes at least one light source toilluminate the cargo area. A memory and a processor associated with thesensor array are configured to store one baseline image of the cargoarea of the trailer when the trailer is in an empty state. The processoris configured to detect a triggering event and to illuminate the cargoarea of the trailer using at least one light source. The processor isfurther configured to capture a current image of the cargo area of thetrailer using the set of cameras. The processor is configured to compareeach current image of an interior cavity with the corresponding baselineimage of a cargo cavity. The processor determines a cargo status basedupon a difference between the current image and the baseline image. Theprocessor is also configured to send the cargo status to a dispatcherusing a cellular modem.

The sensor array may be affixed to an upper corner of the trailer. Thesensor array may be affixed to a middle top-section of the trailer, suchthat the sensor array is placed in a separate housing from the cargoarea on an exterior face of the trailer. The light source may be alight-emitting diode that is associated with each camera of the set ofcameras. Each camera of the set of cameras may automatically take aphotograph of the cargo area in view of each camera upon an occurrenceof the triggering event. The triggering event may be a trailer openingevent, a trailer closing event, a motion detection event through aglobal positioning device and a motion sensor in the trailer, a stoppingevent, a time-based event, a geographic-location based event, and/or avelocity based event.

The sensor array may include a backup camera to observe a rear area ofthe trailer of the semi-trailer truck. The backup camera may be mountedto the sensor array. The backup camera may view a door of the trailer, aloading area of the trailer, and/or an area behind the trailer. A driverof the trailer may view a video feed from the backup camera using awired connection and/or a wireless connection between the backup cameraand a display in a cabin area of the semi-trailer truck. The trailer ofthe semi-trailer truck may have a field of view of each of the set ofcameras to partially overlap with the field of view of another of theset of cameras. The sensor array may be powered by a battery, thesemi-trailer truck, and/or a solar array mounted on the trailer.

The sensor array may communicatively generate a composite view of thecargo area using the set of cameras. The sensor array may communicatethe composite view to the cabin area of the semi-trailer truck and/or acentral server communicatively coupled with the semi-trailer truckthrough an Internet network using the processor and the memory of thesemi-trailer truck. The cellular modem may periodically provide areporting of a location of the semi-trailer truck captured with ageographic positioning receiver to the central server along with thecomposite view using the processor and the memory.

In another aspect, a trailer of a semi-trailer truck includes a sensorarray affixed to a surface of the trailer to automatically determinewhether a cargo area of the semi-trailer truck is occupied. The trailerof the semi-trailer truck further includes a set of cameras of thesensor array. Each camera of the set of cameras is each recessedrelative to an interior region of the cargo area and/or each of the setof cameras peers into the cargo area of the semi-trailer truck. A memoryand a processor associated with the sensor array are configured to storeone baseline image of the cargo area of the trailer when the trailer isin an empty state. The processor is configured to detect a triggeringevent and to illuminate the cargo area of the trailer using at least onelight source. The processor is further configured to capture a currentimage of the cargo area of the trailer using the set of cameras. Theprocessor compares each current image of an interior cavity with thecorresponding baseline image of a cargo cavity. The processor of thesensor array is configured to determine a cargo status based upon adifference between the current image and the baseline image.Furthermore, the processor is configured to send the cargo status to adispatcher using a cellular modem.

In yet another aspect, a trailer of a semi-trailer truck includes asensor array affixed to a surface of the trailer to automaticallydetermine whether a cargo area of the semi-trailer truck is occupied.The trailer of the semi-trailer truck also includes a set of cameras ofthe sensor array. Each camera of the set of cameras is each embedded inindividual recesses of the sensor array such that each of the set ofcameras are interior to a flush plane of the surface to prevent cargofrom damaging each camera. Each of the set of cameras peers into thecargo area of the semi-trailer truck. The trailer of the semi-trailertruck further includes at least one light source to illuminate the cargoarea. A memory and a processor associated with the sensor array areconfigured to store one baseline image of the cargo area of the trailerwhen the trailer is in an empty state. The processor is configured todetect a triggering event and/or to illuminate the cargo area of thetrailer using at least one light source. The processor is furtherconfigured to capture a current image of the cargo area of the trailerusing the set of cameras. The processor is also configured to compareeach current image of an interior cavity with the corresponding baselineimage of a cargo cavity. Furthermore, the processor is configured todetermine a cargo status based upon a difference between the currentimage and the baseline image. Also, the processor is configured to sendthe cargo status to a dispatcher using a cellular modem. The sensorarray includes a backup camera to observe a rear area of the trailer ofthe semi-trailer truck. The backup camera is mounted to the sensor arraysuch that the backup camera views a door of the trailer, a loading areaof the trailer, and/or an area behind the trailer. A driver of thetrailer may view a video feed from the backup camera using a wiredconnection and/or a wireless connection between the backup camera and/ora display in a cabin area of the semi-trailer truck.

The method, apparatus, and system disclosed herein may be implemented inany means for achieving various aspects, and may be executed in a formof a non-transitory machine-readable medium embodying a set ofinstructions that, when executed by a machine, cause the machine toperform any of the operations disclosed herein. Other features will beapparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detaileddescription that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of this invention are illustrated by way of example andnot limitation in the Figures of the accompanying drawings, in whichlike references indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1A is an upper corner placement view of a sensor array affixed toan upper corner of a trailer of a semi-trailer truck to automaticallydetermine whether a cargo area of the semi-trailer truck is occupied andsending the cargo status to a dispatcher using a cellular modem,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a middle top placement view of the sensor array of FIG. 1illustrating a set of camera communicatively generating a composite viewof the cargo area based on a triggering event, according to at least oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a backup camera view of the sensor array of FIG. 1illustrating a backup camera mounted to the sensor array enabling adriver of the trailer to view a video feed from the backup camera,according to at least one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing one embodiment of the sensorarray of the trailer of semi-trailer truck illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a composite view illustrating the overlapping distortioncaptured by each camera of the set of cameras of the sensor array ofFIG. 1 providing the cargo status of the trailer, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a table view illustrating the storing of undistorted baselineimage captured at an empty state of the trailer of FIG. 1 and thecorresponding distorted image after occurrence of the triggering eventfor determining the cargo status, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the triggering event algorithm of thesensor array of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a critical path view illustrating a flow based on time inwhich critical operations of the sensor array of FIG. 1 are established,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram of the sensor array of FIG. 1 todetermine the cargo status of the trailer of the semi-trailer truck ofFIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of exemplary data processing devices thatcan be used to implement the methods and systems disclosed herein,according to one embodiment.

Other features of the present embodiments will be apparent from theaccompanying drawings and from the detailed description that follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed are a method, a device and/or a system of utilizing a cameraarray system to detect a load status of a semi-trailer truck.

In one embodiment, a trailer 102 of a semi-trailer truck 104 includes asensor array 106 affixed to a surface 108 of the trailer 102 toautomatically determine whether a cargo area 110 of the semi-trailertruck 104 is occupied. The trailer 102 of the semi-trailer truck 104also includes a set of cameras 112 of the sensor array 106. Each cameraof the set of cameras 112 is each embedded in individual recess(es) 113of the sensor array 106 such that each of the set of cameras 112 doesnot protrude from the sensor array 106 into the cargo area 110 and/oreach of the set of cameras 112 peers into the cargo area 110 of thesemi-trailer truck 104. The trailer 102 of the semi-trailer truck 104further includes at least one light source 114 to illuminate the cargoarea 110. A memory 116 and a processor 118 associated with the sensorarray 106 are configured to store one baseline image 122 of the cargoarea 110 of the trailer 102 when the trailer 102 is in an empty state.

The processor 118 is configured to detect a triggering event 206 (e.g.,using the triggering event algorithm 142 of the dispatch server 126) andto illuminate the cargo area 110 of the trailer 102 using at least onelight source 114. The processor 118 is further configured to capture acurrent image 144 of the cargo area 110 of the trailer 102 using the setof cameras 112. The processor 118 is configured to compare (e.g., usingthe difference algorithm 148 of the dispatch server 126) each currentimage 144 of an interior cavity 402 with the corresponding baselineimage 122 of a cargo cavity. The processor 118 determines a cargo status124 (e.g., using the cargo status algorithm 125 of the dispatch server126) based upon a difference (e.g., using the difference algorithm 148of the dispatch server 126) between the current image 144 and thebaseline image 122. The processor 118 is also configured to send thecargo status 124 to a dispatcher 134 using a cellular modem 136.

The sensor array 106 may be affixed to an upper corner of the trailer102. The sensor array 106 may be affixed to a middle top-section of thetrailer 102, such that the sensor array 106 is placed in a separatehousing 138 from the cargo area 110 on an exterior face 140 of thetrailer 102. The light source 114 may be a light-emitting diode that isassociated with each camera of the set of cameras 112. Each camera ofthe set of cameras 112 may automatically take a photograph of the cargoarea 110 in view of each camera upon an occurrence of the triggeringevent 206. The triggering event 206 may be a trailer opening event, atrailer closing event, a motion detection event through a globalpositioning device and a motion sensor in the trailer, a stopping event,a time-based event, a geographic-location based event, and/or a velocitybased event.

The sensor array 106 may include a backup camera 202 to observe a reararea 204 of the trailer 102 of the semi-trailer truck 104. The backupcamera 202 may be mounted to the sensor array 106. The backup camera 202may view a door of the trailer, a loading area of the trailer, and/or anarea behind the trailer. A driver 208 of the trailer 102 may view avideo feed 210 from the backup camera 202 using a wired connectionand/or a wireless connection between the backup camera 202 and a display212 in a cabin area 214 of the semi-trailer truck 104. The trailer 102of the semi-trailer truck 104 may have a field of view 404 of each ofthe set of cameras 112 to partially overlap with the field of view 404of another of the set of cameras 112. The sensor array 106 may bepowered by a battery, the semi-trailer truck 104, and/or a solar arraymounted on the trailer 102.

The sensor array 106 may communicatively generate a composite view 146of the cargo area 110 using the set of cameras 112. The sensor array 106may communicate the composite view 146 to the cabin area 214 of thesemi-trailer truck 104 and/or a central server communicatively coupledwith the semi-trailer truck 104 through an Internet network using theprocessor 118 and the memory 116 of the semi-trailer truck 104. Thecellular modem 136 may periodically provide a reporting of a location ofthe semi-trailer truck 104 captured with a geographic positioningreceiver to the central server along with the composite view 146 usingthe processor 118 and the memory 116.

In another embodiment, a trailer 102 of a semi-trailer truck 104includes a sensor array 106 affixed to a surface 108 of the trailer 102to automatically determine whether a cargo area 110 of the semi-trailertruck 104 is occupied. The trailer 102 of the semi-trailer truck 104further includes a set of cameras 112 of the sensor array 106. Eachcamera of the set of cameras 112 is each recessed relative to aninterior region of the cargo area 110 and/or each of the set of cameras112 peers into the cargo area 110 of the semi-trailer truck 104. Amemory 116 and a processor 118 associated with the sensor array 106 areconfigured to store one baseline image 122 of the cargo area 110 of thetrailer 102 when the trailer 102 is in an empty state. The processor 118is configured to detect a triggering event 206 (e.g., using thetriggering event algorithm 142 of the dispatch server 126) and toilluminate the cargo area 110 of the trailer 102 using at least onelight source 114. The processor 118 is further configured to capture acurrent image 144 of the cargo area 110 of the trailer 102 using the setof cameras 112. The processor 118 compares (e.g., using the differencealgorithm 148 of the dispatch server 126) each current image 144 of aninterior cavity 402 with the corresponding baseline image 122 of a cargocavity. The processor 118 associated with the sensor array 106 isconfigured to determine a cargo status 124 (e.g., using the cargo statusalgorithm 125 of the dispatch server 126) based upon a difference 148(e.g., using the difference algorithm 148 of the dispatch server 126)between the current image 144 and the baseline image 122. Furthermore,the processor 118 is configured to send the cargo status 124 to adispatcher 134 using a cellular modem 136.

In yet another embodiment, a trailer 102 of a semi-trailer truck 104includes a sensor array 106 affixed to a surface 108 of the trailer 102to automatically determine whether a cargo area 110 of the semi-trailertruck 104 is occupied. The trailer 102 of the semi-trailer truck 104also includes a set of cameras 112 of the sensor array 106. Each cameraof the set of cameras 112 is each embedded in individual recess(es) 113of the sensor array 106 such that each of the set of cameras 112 areinterior to a flush plane of the surface 108 to prevent cargo fromdamaging each camera. Each of the set of cameras 112 peers into thecargo area 110 of the semi-trailer truck 104. The trailer 102 of thesemi-trailer truck 104 further includes at least one light source 114 toilluminate the cargo area 110.

A memory 116 and a processor 118 associated with the sensor array 106are configured to store one baseline image 122 of the cargo area 110 ofthe trailer 102 when the trailer 102 is in an empty state. The processor118 is configured to detect a triggering event 206 and/or to illuminatethe cargo area 110 of the trailer 102 using at least one light source114. The processor 118 is further configured to capture a current image144 of the cargo area 110 of the trailer 102 using the set of cameras112. The processor 118 is also configured to compare each current image144 of an interior cavity 402 with the corresponding baseline image 122of a cargo cavity. Furthermore, the processor 118 is configured todetermine a cargo status 124 (e.g., using the cargo status algorithm 125of the dispatch server 126) based upon a difference 148 (e.g., using thedifference algorithm 148 of the dispatch server 126) between the currentimage 144 and the baseline image 122. Also, the processor 118 isconfigured to send the cargo status 124 to a dispatcher 134 using acellular modem 136.

The sensor array 106 includes a backup camera 202 to observe a rear area204 of the trailer 102 of the semi-trailer truck 104. The backup camera202 is mounted to the sensor array 106 such that the backup camera 202views (e.g., using the triggering event algorithm 142 of the dispatchserver 126) a door of the trailer, a loading area of the trailer, and/oran area behind the trailer. A driver 208 of the trailer 102 may view avideo feed 210 from the backup camera 202 using a wired connectionand/or a wireless connection between the backup camera 202 and/or adisplay 212 in a cabin area 214 of the semi-trailer truck 104.

FIG. 1A is a upper corner placement view 150A of a sensor arrayillustrating the sensor array 106 affixed to an upper corner of atrailer 102 of a semi-trailer truck 104 to automatically determinewhether a cargo area 110 of the semi-trailer truck 104 is occupied andsending the cargo status 124 to a dispatcher 134 using a cellular modem136, according to one embodiment.

Particularly, FIG. 1A illustrates the trailer 102, a network 101, thesemi-trailer truck 104, the sensor array 106, the surface 108, the cargoarea 110, a set of cameras 112, a recess 113, a light source 114, aprojection areas 115, a memory 116, a processor 118, a database 120, abaseline image 122, a cargo status 124, a cargo status algorithm 125, adispatch server 126, a dispatch server memory 128, a dispatch serverprocessor 130, a dispatch server database 132, a dispatcher 134, a userdevice 135, and a cellular modem 136, according to one embodiment.

The trailer 102 may be a nonmotorized vehicle designed to be hauled by amotor vehicle (e.g., a truck, utility vehicles, and/or a tractor). Thenetwork 101 may be a group of computing devices (e.g., hardware andsoftware) that are linked together through communication channels tofacilitate communication and resource-sharing among a wide range ofentities (e.g., dispatcher 134). The semi-trailer truck 104 may be alarge vehicle that consists of a towing engine, known as a tractorand/or a truck, attached to one or more semi-trailers to carry freight,according to one embodiment.

The sensor array 106 may be a device in the form of a bar and/or aseries of bars that may be affixed to a wall and/or upright supports(e.g., a surface 108 of the trailer 102) which detects or measures aphysical property (e.g., light, heat, motion, moisture, pressure, or anyone of a great number of other environmental phenomena) of the occupancyinside the trailer 102 and records, indicates, and/or otherwise respondsto it as an output. The sensor array 106 (e.g., a sensor rail, a sensorhousing, etc.) may hold a single camera or may hold multiple cameras.The sensor array 106 may be connected through a wired and/or wirednetworking topology. In one embodiment, cameras are positioned indifferent locations of the trailer 102 individually, and the sensorarray 106 provides a housing in which to communicatively couple thesensor array 106 to the trailer without the need of a separate rail. Inanother embodiment, the sensor array 106 includes multiple cameras on asingle sensor rail. The sensor array 106 may include optionaltemperature, humidity, and/or pressure sensing in addition to visualsensing to determine general conditions in which cargo is housed insidethe trailer 102.

The output may be generally a signal that is converted to human-readabledisplay at the sensor location or transmitted electronically over thenetwork 101 for reading or further processing to determine the cargostatus 124 of the trailer 102. The surface 108 may be the uppermostlayer of the wall or ceiling of the trailer 102 on which the sensorarray 106 is affixed. The cargo area 110 may be the space inside thetrailer 102 of the semi-trailer truck 104 where the goods are kept forfreighting, according to one embodiment.

The set of cameras 112 may be a group and/or a collection of a number ofcameras that may be used for recording visual images of the inside ofthe trailer 102 in the form of photographs, film, or video signals. Therecess 113 may be a small space created by building part of a wall ofthe trailer 102 further back from the rest so as to affix the set ofcameras 112 of the sensor array 106. The light source 114 may be anydevice serving as a source of illumination to make things visible insidethe trailer 102. The projection areas 115 may be the extent ormeasurement covered by each camera of the set of cameras 112 to capturevisual images of the inside of the trailer 102 in the form ofphotographs, film, or video signals, according to one embodiment.

The memory 116 may be an electronic holding place for instructions anddata that the processor 118 of the sensor array 106 can reach quickly.The processor 118 may be a logic circuitry that responds to andprocesses the basic instructions that drives the sensor array 106 formonitoring the semi-trailer truck 104. The database 120 may be astructured collection of information collected by the set of cameras 112that is organized to be easily accessed, managed, and/or updated by thedispatcher 134. The baseline image 122 may be a visual representation ofthe inside of the cargo area 110 of the trailer 102 at an empty state.The cargo status 124 may be the present situation of the cargo area 110in terms of occupancy of goods in the trailer 102 as captured by the setof cameras 112. The cargo status algorithm 125 may be a process or setof rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solvingoperations for identifying the occupancy of goods in the cargo area 110of the trailer 102.

The dispatch server 126 may be a computer system that provides localarea networking services to multiple users (e.g., dispatcher 134) tosend off the cargo to its respective destination by managing resourcesand services of the network 101, while handling requests by thedispatcher 134 from different computers to access the said resources,according to one embodiment.

The dispatch server memory 128 may be an electronic holding place forinstructions and data that the dispatch server processor 130 can reachquickly. The dispatch server processor 130 may be a logic circuitry thatresponds to and processes the basic instructions that drives thedispatch server 126 for monitoring the semi-trailer truck 104. Thedispatch server database 132 may be a collection of information that isorganized to be easily accessed, managed, and/or updated by thedispatcher 134, according to one embodiment. The dispatcher 134 may bethe personnel responsible (e.g., overseeing) for receiving andtransmitting pure and reliable messages, tracking vehicles andequipment, and recording other important information regarding the cargostatus 124 (e.g., using the cargo status algorithm 125 of the dispatchserver 126) of the semi-trailer truck 104. The user device 135 may be acomputing device that enables the dispatcher 134 to communicate with thedispatch server 126 through the network 101. The cellular modem 136 maybe a device that adds wireless 3G or 4G (LTE) connectivity to a laptopor a desktop computer in order to send the cargo status 124 to thedispatcher 134, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1A illustrates a sensor array 106 affixed to an upper corner of thetrailer 102. The sensor array 106 includes a set of cameras 112. Eachcamera is each embedded in an individual recess 113 of the sensor array106. At least one light source 114 is coupled with each of the set ofcameras 112. The sensor array 106 is communicatively coupled to adispatch server 126 through the network 101. The dispatch server 126includes a dispatch server database 132 coupled with a dispatch serverprocessor 130 and dispatch server memory 128, according to oneembodiment. The dispatch server 126 is communicatively coupled to theuser device 135 through the network 101. The sensor array 106 iscommunicatively coupled to the dispatch server 126 through a cellularmodem 136, according to one embodiment.

The cargo status 124 may be automatically determined using the sensorarray 106. In circle ‘1’, the sensor array 106 is affixed to the uppercorner of the trailer 102. In circle ‘2’, each camera is each embeddedin an individual recess 113 of the sensor array 106. In circle ‘3’, atleast one light source 114 illuminates the cargo area 110 associatedwith each camera of the set of cameras 112. In circle ‘4’, a baselineimage 122 captured by the set of cameras 112 is communicated to thedispatch server 126. In circle ‘5’, cargo status 124 is communicated tothe dispatcher 134 through the cellular modem 136, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 1B is a middle-top placement view 150B of the sensor array 106 ofFIG. 1 illustrating a set of cameras 112 communicatively generating acomposite view 146 of the cargo area 110 based on a triggering event(e.g., using the triggering event algorithm 142 of the dispatch server126), according to one embodiment. Particularly, FIG. 1B illustrates aseparate housing 138, an exterior face 140, a triggering event algorithm142, a current image 144, a composite view 146, and a differencealgorithm 148, according to one embodiment.

According to at least one embodiment, the separate housing 138 may be adiscrete rigid casing that encloses and protects the various componentsof the sensor array 106. The exterior face 140 may be outermost part ofthe middle-top section of the trailer 102 on which the sensor array 106is affixed. The triggering event algorithm 142 may be a process or setof rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solvingoperations for identifying the occurrence of a trailer opening event, atrailer closing event, a motion detection event (e.g., using a globalpositioning device and/or a motion sensor), a stopping event, atime-based event, a geographic-location based event, and/or a velocitybased event of the trailer 102 of semi-trailer truck 104, according toone embodiment.

The current image 144 may be the present visual representation of theinside of the cargo area 110 of the trailer 102 after occurrence of thetriggering event. The composite view 146 may be a combined visualrepresentation of the inside of the cargo area 110 of the trailer 102captured by the set of cameras 112 after occurrence of the triggeringevent. The difference algorithm 148 may be a process or set of rules tobe followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations foridentifying the distinctness or dissimilarity of the composite view 146of the cargo area 110 after occurrence of the triggering event from thebaseline image 122 of the cargo area 110 at an empty state, according toone embodiment.

FIG. 1B illustrates a sensor array 106 affixed to a middle-top sectionof the trailer 102 on the exterior face 140. The sensor array 106 isplaced in a separate housing 138 from the cargo area, according to oneembodiment.

The cargo status 124 based on a triggering event may be automaticallydetermined using the sensor array 106. In circle ‘6’, a triggering event(e.g., using the triggering event algorithm 142 of the dispatch server126) is identified by the processor 118 of the sensor array 106. Incircle ‘7’, a current image 144 captured by the set of cameras 112 iscommunicated to the dispatch server 126. In circle ‘8’, the compositeview is communicated to the dispatch server 126. In circle ‘9’, thecargo status 124 (e.g., using the cargo status algorithm 125 of thedispatch server 126) is communicated to the dispatch server 126,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a backup camera view 250 illustrating a backup camera 202mounted to the sensor array of FIG. 1 enabling a driver 208 of thetrailer 102 to view a video feed 210 from the backup camera 202,according to one embodiment. Particularly, FIG. 2 illustrates a backupcamera 202, a rear area 204, a triggering event 206, a driver 208, avideo feed 210, a display 212, and a cabin area 214, according to oneembodiment.

The backup camera 202 may be a used for recording visual images of therear area 204 of the trailer 102 in the form of photographs, film, orvideo signals. The rear area 204 may be the back part of the trailer 102(e.g., a door of the trailer, a loading area of the trailer, and/or anarea behind the trailer). The triggering event 206 may be a situation(e.g., a trailer opening event, a trailer closing event, a motiondetection event, a stopping event, a time-based event, ageographic-location based event, and/or a velocity based event) to causethe set of cameras 112 of the sensor array 106 to record the visualimages of the inside of the cargo area 110. The driver 208 may be theperson driving the semi-trailer truck 104. The video feed 210 may be asequence of images from the set of cameras processed electronically intoan analog or digital format and displayed on a display 212 withsufficient rapidity so as to create the illusion of motion andcontinuity. The display 212 may be a computer output surface andprojecting mechanism that shows video feed 210 or graphic images to thedriver 208, using a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display(LCD), light-emitting diode, gas plasma, or other image projectiontechnology. The cabin area 214 may be the private compartment for thedriver 208 in the front portion of the semi-trailer truck 104, accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a backup camera 202 mounted to the sensor array 106to observe the rear area 204 of the trailer 102 of the semi-trailertruck 104, according to one embodiment.

In circle ‘10’, the triggering event is communicated to the processor118. In circle ‘11’, the projection area 115 in the rear area 204 of thetrailer 102 is captured by the backup camera 202. In circle ‘12’, thevideo feed 210 is sent to the driver 208 using a wired connection and/ora wireless connection of the sensor array 106, according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram 350 representing one embodiment of the sensorarray 106 of the trailer of semi-trailer truck 104 illustrated inFIG. 1. According to one example embodiment, the sensor array 106includes a set of cameras 112 associated with a light source 114. Thesensor array 106 of the trailer of semi-trailer truck 104 furtherincludes a processor 118, a database 120 and a memory 116.

The processor 118 of the sensor array 106 may be configured to capturethe baseline image 122 using the set of cameras 112. The light source114 associated with each of the set of cameras 112 illuminates theinside cavity of the cargo area 110. The processor 118 identifies thetriggering event (e.g., using the triggering event algorithm 142 of thedispatch server 126) caused by a trailer opening event, a trailerclosing event, a motion detection event, a stopping event, a time-basedevent, a geographic-location based event, and/or a velocity based event.A current image 144 is captured by each of the set of cameras 112. Acomposite view 146 is generated based on the current image 144 capturedby each of the set of cameras 112. The composite view 146 and thebaseline image 122 is compared to conclude the cargo status 124 (e.g.,using the cargo status algorithm 125 of the dispatch server 126) of thetrailer 102. The cargo status 124 is communicated to the dispatcher 134,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a composite view 450 illustrating the overlapping distortion406 captured by each camera 112A-D of the set of cameras 112 of thesensor array 106 of FIG. 1 providing the cargo status 124 of the trailer102, according to one embodiment.

Particularly, FIG. 4 illustrates an interior cavity 402, a field of view404, and an overlapping distortion 406. The interior cavity 402 may bean empty space inside the trailer 102 of the semi-trailer truck wherethe cargo is kept for dispatch. The field of view 404 may be the extentor measurement covered by each camera of the set of cameras 112 tocapture visual images of the inside of the trailer 102 in the form ofphotographs, film, or video signals. The overlapping distortion 406 maybe the covering or extension of field of view 404 of one camera over thefield of view 404 of its adjoining camera of the set of cameras 112 ofthe sensor array 106, according to one embodiment.

Particularly, composite view 450 illustrates an example embodiment ofthe sensor array 106 running the length of the trailer 102 with embeddedset of cameras 112, electronics, wiring and LED light source and othersensors mounted on ceiling. Each camera is looking for distortion fromreference baseline image 122. No distortion from any of the cameraindicates that the trailer is empty. Overlapping distortion 406 providesinformation on the extent of quadrant load in each of the projectionareas 114A-E. Each quadrant (e.g., projection areas 114A-E) represents20% of the cargo area 110. If only projection area 114A has distortion,then the trailer <1=20% full. If projection areas 114A and B hasdistortion, then the trailer <1=40% full. If only projection areas 114A,B and C has distortion, then the trailer <1=60% full and if projectionarea 114A, B, and C has distortion, then the trailer is <1=80% full,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a table view illustrating the storing of undistorted baselineimage 122 captured at empty state of the trailer 102 of FIG. 1 and thecorresponding distorted image after occurrence of the triggering event206 for determining the cargo status 124, according to one embodiment.Particularly, FIG. 5 is a table view 550 showing the fields associatedwith the dispatcher 134, a trailer 102 field, a set of cameras 112field, a baseline image distortion 502 field, a triggering event 206field, distortion in current image 504 field, and a cargo status 124field, according to one embodiment.

Particularly, FIG. 5 illustrates an example of two records for adispatcher 134 with two trailers having a sensor array having a set ofcameras 112 affixed to each of its trailer 102. The baseline image(s)122 captured in empty state of the trailer 1 and 2 shows no distortionas shown in the 502 field. The triggering event 206 caused by thetrailer opening event in trailer 1 depicts a distortion in current image504 captured by camera 112A of trailer 1. The resulting cargo status 124is shown as <1=20% full caused by the triggering event 206 ascommunicated to the dispatcher 134. Similarly, the triggering event 206caused by the velocity based event in trailer 2 depicts a distortion incurrent image 504 captured by camera 112A-C of trailer 2. The resultingcargo status 124 is shown as <1=60% full caused by the triggering event206 is communicated to the dispatcher 134, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the triggering event algorithm 142 of thesensor array 106 of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment. Particularly,FIG. 6 illustrates a trailer opening event module 602, a trailer closingevent module 604, a time-based event module 606, a motion detectionevent module 608, a stopping event module 610, a geographic-locationbased event module 612, and a velocity based event module 614, accordingto one embodiment.

The trailer opening event module 602 may be a part and/or a separateunit of a program of the triggering event algorithm 142 that assists inidentifying the occurrence of a trailer opening event in order toactivate the set of cameras 112 to capture the current image 144. Thetrailer closing event module 604 may be a part and/or a separate unit ofa program of the triggering event algorithm 142 that assists inidentifying the occurrence of a trailer closing event in order toactivate the set of cameras 112 to capture the current image 144. Thetime-based event module 606 may be a part and/or a separate unit of aprogram of the triggering event algorithm 142 that assists inidentifying the occurrence of an event based on time, according to oneembodiment.

The motion detection event module 608 may be a part and/or a separateunit of a program of the triggering event algorithm 142 to detect motionof the semi-trailer truck 104. The stopping event module 610 may be apart and/or a separate unit of a program of the triggering eventalgorithm 142 that assists in identifying the stopping of thesemi-trailer truck 104. The geographic-location based event module 612may be a part and/or a separate unit of a program of the triggeringevent algorithm 142 that assists in identifying the occurrence of asituation based on the geographic-location of the semi-trailer truck104. The velocity based event module 614 may be a part and/or a separateunit of a program of the triggering event algorithm 142 that assists inidentifying the occurrence of a situation based on the velocity of thesemi-trailer truck 104, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a critical path view illustrating a flow based on time inwhich critical operations of the sensor array of FIG. 1 are established,according to one embodiment.

In operation 702, the dispatcher 134 affixes a sensor array 106 to asurface 108 of a trailer 102 of a semi-trailer truck 104. In operation704, the sensor array 106 peers each of the camera of the set of cameras112 into the cargo area 110 of the semi-trailer truck 104. In operation706, the dispatcher 134 configures a memory 116 and a processor 118 tostore at least one baseline image 122 of the cargo area 110 of thetrailer 102 when trailer is in empty state. In operation 708, thedispatcher 134 configures the processor 118 to detect a triggering event206. In operation 710, the dispatcher 134 configures the processor 118to illuminate the cargo area 110 of the trailer 102 using at least onelight source 114. In operation 712, the sensor array 106 captures acurrent image 144 of the cargo area 110 of the trailer 102 using atleast one of the set of cameras 112. In operation 714, the sensor array106 compares each current image 144 of the interior cavity with thecorresponding baseline image 122 of the cargo cavity. In operation 716,the sensor array 106 determines a cargo status 124 based upon adifference between the current image 144 and the baseline image 122. Inoperation 718, the sensor array 106 sends the cargo status 124 to adispatcher 134 using a cellular modem 136, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram of the sensor array 106 of FIG. 1 todetermine the cargo status 124 of the trailer 102 of the semi-trailertruck 104 of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment.

In operation 802, a sensor array 106 is affixed to a surface 108 of atrailer 102 to automatically determine whether a cargo area 110 of thesemi-trailer truck 104 is occupied. In operation 804, each of the camera112A-D of a set of cameras 112 of the sensor array 106 peers into thecargo area 110 of the semi-trailer truck 104. In operation 806, a memory116 and a processor 118 associated with the sensor array 106 areconfigured to store at least one baseline image 122 of the cargo area110 of the trailer 102 when the trailer 102 is in an empty state. Inoperation 808, the processor 118 is configured to detect a triggeringevent 206. In operation 810, the cargo area 110 is illuminated using atleast one light source 114. In operation 812, a current image 144 of thecargo area 110 of the trailer 102 is captured using at least one of theset of cameras 112, according to one embodiment.

In operation 814, each current image 144 of the interior cavity iscompared with the corresponding baseline image 122 of the cargo cavity.In operation 816, a cargo status 124 is determined based upon adifference between the current image 144 and the baseline image 122. Inoperation 818, the cargo status 124 is sent to a dispatcher 134 using acellular modem 136, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of generic computing device 990 that canbe used to implement the methods and systems disclosed herein, accordingto one or more embodiments. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of genericcomputing device 990 and a generic mobile computing device 930 that canbe used to perform and/or implement any of the embodiments disclosedherein. In one or more embodiments, dispatch server 126 and/or userdevice 135 of FIG. 1A may be the generic computing device 900.

The generic computing device 900 may represent various forms of digitalcomputers, such as laptops, desktops, workstations, personal digitalassistants, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and/or other appropriatecomputers. The generic mobile computing device 930 may represent variousforms of mobile devices, such as smartphones, camera phones, personaldigital assistants, cellular telephones, and other similar mobiledevices. The components shown here, their connections, couples, andrelationships, and their functions, are meant to be exemplary only, andare not meant to limit the embodiments described and/or claimed,according to one embodiment.

The generic computing device 900 may include a processor 902, a memory904, a storage device 906, a high speed interface 908 coupled to thememory 904 and a plurality of high speed expansion ports 910, and a lowspeed interface 912 coupled to a low speed bus 914 and a storage device906. In one embodiment, each of the components heretofore may beinter-coupled using various buses, and may be mounted on a commonmotherboard and/or in other manners as appropriate. The processor 902may process instructions for execution in the generic computing device900, including instructions stored in the memory 904 and/or on thestorage device 906 to display a graphical information for a GUI on anexternal input/output device, such as a display unit 916 coupled to thehigh speed interface 908, according to one embodiment.

In other embodiments, multiple processors and/or multiple buses may beused, as appropriate, along with multiple memories and/or types ofmemory. Also, a plurality of computing device 900 may be coupled with,with each device providing portions of the necessary operations (e.g.,as a server bank, a group of blade servers, and/or a multi-processorsystem).

The memory 904 may be coupled to the generic computing device 900. Inone embodiment, the memory 904 may be a volatile memory. In anotherembodiment, the memory 904 may be a non-volatile memory. The memory 904may also be another form of computer-readable medium, such as a magneticand/or an optical disk. The storage device 906 may be capable ofproviding mass storage for the generic computing device 900. In oneembodiment, the storage device 906 may be includes a floppy disk device,a hard disk device, an optical disk device, a tape device, a flashmemory and/or other similar solid state memory device. In anotherembodiment, the storage device 906 may be an array of the devices in acomputer-readable medium previously mentioned heretofore,computer-readable medium, such as, and/or an array of devices, includingdevices in a storage area network and/or other configurations.

A computer program may be comprised of instructions that, when executed,perform one or more methods, such as those described above. Theinstructions may be stored in the memory 904, the storage device 906, amemory coupled to the processor 902, and/or a propagated signal.

The high speed interface 908 may manage bandwidth-intensive operationsfor the generic computing device 900, while the low speed interface 912may manage lower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation offunctions is exemplary only. In one embodiment, the high speed interface908 may be coupled to the memory 904, the display unit 916 (e.g.,through a graphics processor and/or an accelerator), and to theplurality of high speed expansion ports 910, which may accept variousexpansion cards.

In the embodiment, the low speed interface 912 may be coupled to thestorage device 906 and the low speed bus 914. The low speed bus 914 maybe comprised of a wired and/or wireless communication port (e.g., aUniversal Serial Bus (“USB”), a Bluetooth® port, an Ethernet port,and/or a wireless Ethernet port). The low speed bus 914 may also becoupled to the scan unit 928, a printer 926, a keyboard, a mouse 924,and a networking device (e.g., a switch and/or a router) through anetwork adapter.

The generic computing device 900 may be implemented in a number ofdifferent forms, as shown in the figure. In one embodiment, thecomputing device 900 may be implemented as a standard server 918 and/ora group of such servers. In another embodiment, the generic computingdevice 900 may be implemented as part of a rack server system 922. Inyet another embodiment, the generic computing device 900 may beimplemented as a general computer 920 such as a laptop or desktopcomputer. Alternatively, a component from the generic computing device900 may be combined with another component in a generic mobile computingdevice 930. In one or more embodiments, an entire system may be made upof a plurality of generic computing device 900 and/or a plurality ofgeneric computing device 900 coupled to a plurality of generic mobilecomputing device 930.

In one embodiment, the generic mobile computing device 930 may include amobile compatible processor 932, a mobile compatible memory 934, and aninput/output device such as a mobile display 946, a communicationinterface 952, and a transceiver 938, among other components. Thegeneric mobile computing device 930 may also be provided with a storagedevice, such as a microdrive or other device, to provide additionalstorage. In one embodiment, the components indicated heretofore areinter-coupled using various buses, and several of the components may bemounted on a common motherboard.

The mobile compatible processor 932 may execute instructions in thegeneric mobile computing device 930, including instructions stored inthe mobile compatible memory 934. The mobile compatible processor 932may be implemented as a chipset of chips that include separate andmultiple analog and digital processors. The mobile compatible processor932 may provide, for example, for coordination of the other componentsof the generic mobile computing device 930, such as control of userinterfaces, applications run by the generic mobile computing device 930,and wireless communication by the generic mobile computing device 930.

The mobile compatible processor 932 may communicate with a user throughthe control interface 936 and the display interface 944 coupled to amobile display 946. In one embodiment, the mobile display 946 may be aThin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystal Display (“TFT LCD”), an OrganicLight Emitting Diode (“OLED”) display, and another appropriate displaytechnology. The display interface 944 may comprise appropriate circuitryfor driving the mobile display 946 to present graphical and otherinformation to a user. The control interface 936 may receive commandsfrom a user and convert them for submission to the mobile compatibleprocessor 932.

In addition, an external interface 942 may be provide in communicationwith the mobile compatible processor 932, so as to enable near areacommunication of the generic mobile computing device 930 with otherdevices. External interface 942 may provide, for example, for wiredcommunication in some embodiments, or for wireless communication inother embodiments, and multiple interfaces may also be used.

The mobile compatible memory 934 may be coupled to the generic mobilecomputing device 930. The mobile compatible memory 934 may beimplemented as a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. Theexpansion memory 958 may also be coupled to the generic mobile computingdevice 930 through the expansion interface 956, which may comprise, forexample, a Single In Line Memory Module (“SIMM”) card interface. Theexpansion memory 958 may provide extra storage space for the genericmobile computing device 930, or may also store an application or otherinformation for the generic mobile computing device 930.

Specifically, the expansion memory 958 may comprise instructions tocarry out the processes described above. The expansion memory 958 mayalso comprise secure information. For example, the expansion memory 958may be provided as a security module for the generic mobile computingdevice 930, and may be programmed with instructions that permit secureuse of the generic mobile computing device 930. In addition, a secureapplication may be provided on the SIMM card, along with additionalinformation, such as placing identifying information on the SIMM card ina non-hackable manner.

The mobile compatible memory may include a volatile memory (e.g., aflash memory) and a non-volatile memory (e.g., a non-volatilerandom-access memory (“NVRAM”)). In one embodiment, a computer programcomprises a set of instructions that, when executed, perform one or moremethods. The set of instructions may be stored on the mobile compatiblememory 934, the expansion memory 958, a memory coupled to the mobilecompatible processor 932, and a propagated signal that may be received,for example, over the transceiver 938 and/or the external interface 942.

The generic mobile computing device 930 may communicate wirelesslythrough the communication interface 952, which may be comprised of adigital signal processing circuitry. The communication interface 952 mayprovide for communications using various modes and/or protocols, suchas, a Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”) protocol, a ShortMessage Service (“SMS”) protocol, an Enhanced Messaging System (“EMS”)protocol, a Multimedia Messaging Service (“MMS”) protocol, a CodeDivision Multiple Access (“CDMA”) protocol, Time Division MultipleAccess (“TDMA”) protocol, a Personal Digital Cellular (“PDC”) protocol,a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (“WCDMA”) protocol, a CDMA2000protocol, and a General Packet Radio Service (“GPRS”) protocol.

Such communication may occur, for example, through the transceiver 938(e.g., radio-frequency transceiver). In addition, short-rangecommunication may occur, such as using a Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, and/or othersuch transceiver. In addition, a GPS (“Global Positioning System”)receiver module 954 may provide additional navigation-related andlocation-related wireless data to the generic mobile computing device930, which may be used as appropriate by a software application runningon the generic mobile computing device 930.

The generic mobile computing device 930 may also communicate audiblyusing an audio codec 940, which may receive spoken information from auser and convert it to usable digital information. The audio codec 940may likewise generate audible sound for a user, such as through aspeaker (e.g., in a handset smartphone of the generic mobile computingdevice 930). Such a sound may comprise a sound from a voice telephonecall, a recorded sound (e.g., a voice message, a music files, etc.) andmay also include a sound generated by an application operating on thegeneric mobile computing device 930.

The generic mobile computing device 930 may be implemented in a numberof different forms, as shown in the figure. In one embodiment, thegeneric mobile computing device 930 may be implemented as a smartphone948. In another embodiment, the generic mobile computing device 930 maybe implemented as a personal digital assistant (“PDA”). In yet anotherembodiment, the generic mobile computing device, 930 may be implementedas a tablet device 950.

An example embodiment will now be described. The ACME HaulageCorporation may provide cargo transportation services in remote areas ofthe United States. The ACME Haulage Corporation may be compensated basedon a type of goods being carried inside a cargo area of its trailer of atransportation vehicle (e.g., a semi-trailer truck 104). For thisreason, the ACME Haulage Corporation may want to understand the ‘load’status of their equipment (e.g., a semi-trailer truck 104) to optimizethe dispatch and routing of their transportation assets. In order tounderstand the load status of their equipment (e.g., a trailer 102), theACME Haulage Corporation may have to rely on field reports. The ACMEHaulage Corporation may have employed sensors (e.g. weight sensors, wavesensors, ultrasound sensors) in an interior space of its trailers. Thesesensors may not be able to detect patterns or types of cargo and exactlywhere in the trailer the cargo is located. The incorrect and unreliablecargo status provided by these sensors may have resulted into a numberof untoward situations. For example, a driver of its semi-trailer truckmay have embarked on a long journey, when, in fact, its cargo area isfilled with the wrong type of cargo or may even be empty. This may havelead The ACME Haulage Corporation to a loss of invaluable time, fuel,efficiency, customer dissatisfaction, and/or ultimately, loss of revenuefor its services.

To prevent these continuing losses, the ACME Haulage Corporation mayhave decided to invest in embodiments described herein (e.g., use ofvarious embodiments of the FIGS. 1-9) for optimum utilization ofinterior spaces of the cargo area of its trailers (e.g., a trailer 102).The use of technologies described in various embodiments of the FIGS.1-9 may enable the dispatch managers of ACME Haulage Corporation toremotely monitor and manage its entire fleets of cargo transportequipment (e.g., trailer 102) and asset utilization in real-time. Thevarious embodiments of the FIGS. 1-9 may have also enabled the dispatchmanagers of the ACME Haulage Corporation to know the actual load statusof its cargo transport equipment (e.g., a trailer 102) through imageanalysis and to verify the contents of the equipment through aphotographic image. Additionally, the image analysis may have enabledthe central dispatch (e.g., dispatcher 134) of the ACME HaulageCorporation to know what areas and/or zones of the equipment (e.g.,trailer 102) are actually loaded.

The use of technologies described in various embodiments of the FIGS.1-9 facilitated the dispatch managers (e.g., dispatcher 134) of ACMEHaulage Corporation to utilize an easy-to-use mobile interface, givingit real-time visibility of the cargo areas of its trailers for theirdaily operations along with helping dispatch managers (e.g., dispatcher134). The dispatch managers (e.g., dispatcher 134) of the ACME HaulageCorporation may now be able to automate manual business processes andoptimize performance of its transportation equipments (e.g., trailer102) by using the rich data platform as described in various embodimentsof the FIGS. 1-9 maximizing trailer utilization.

The use of technologies described in various embodiments of the FIGS.1-9 may have enabled trailer management system of the ACME HaulageCorporation to instantly connect dispatch managers to a host ofpowerful, easy-to-use analytics and insights via web-based, highlyintuitive trailer tracking dashboards, customizable trailer trackingreports and exception-based alerts. Armed with this intelligence,dispatch managers (e.g., dispatcher 134) of the ACME Haulage Corporationmay have the ability to automate yard checks; better manage anddistribute trailer pools; improve detention billing; increase theefficiencies and productivity of dispatch operations; secure trailersand high-value cargo; deter fraud and unauthorized trailer use; improvedriver and customer satisfaction; and maximize trailer utilization for amore profitable fleet. The ACME Haulage Corporation may now utilizetheir cargo area to its optimum capacity. This may have lead the ACMEHaulage Corporation to save time, fuel, increase efficiency, customersatisfaction, and/or ultimately, prevent loss of revenue for itstransportation services raising its profit.

Various embodiments of the systems and techniques described here can berealized in a digital electronic circuitry, an integrated circuitry, aspecially designed application specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”), apiece of computer hardware, a firmware, a software application, and acombination thereof. These various embodiments can include embodiment inone or more computer programs that are executable and/or interpretableon a programmable system including one programmable processor, which maybe special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructionsfrom, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, oneinput device, and at least one output device.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, softwareapplications, and/or code) comprise machine-readable instructions for aprogrammable processor, and can be implemented in a high-levelprocedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or inassembly/machine language. As used herein, the terms “machine-readablemedium” and/or “computer-readable medium” refers to any computer programproduct, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks,memory, and/or Programmable Logic Devices (“PLDs”)) used to providemachine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, includinga machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as amachine-readable signal. The term “machine-readable signal” refers toany signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to aprogrammable processor.

To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and techniquesdescribed here may be implemented on a computing device having a displaydevice (e.g., a cathode ray tube (“CRT”) and/or liquid crystal (“LCD”)monitor) for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and amouse 924 by which the user can provide input to the computer. Otherkinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user aswell; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form ofsensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, and/ortactile feedback) and input from the user can be received in any form,including acoustic, speech, and/or tactile input.

The systems and techniques described here may be implemented in acomputing system that includes a back end component (e.g., as a dataserver), a middleware component (e.g., an application server), a frontend component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical userinterface, and/or a Web browser through which a user can interact withan embodiment of the systems and techniques described here), and acombination thereof. The components of the system may also be coupledthrough a communication network.

The communication network may include a local area network (“LAN”) and awide area network (“WAN”) (e.g., the Internet). The computing system caninclude a client and a server. In one embodiment, the client and theserver are remote from each other and interact through the communicationnetwork.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the logicflows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order shown,or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In addition, othersteps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the describedflows, and other components may be added to, or removed from, thedescribed systems. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scopeof the following claims.

It may be appreciated that the various systems, methods, and apparatusdisclosed herein may be embodied in a machine-readable medium and/or amachine accessible medium compatible with a data processing system(e.g., a computer system), and/or may be performed in any order.

The structures and modules in the figures may be shown as distinct andcommunicating with only a few specific structures and not others. Thestructures may be merged with each other, may perform overlappingfunctions, and may communicate with other structures not shown to beconnected in the figures. Accordingly, the specification and/or drawingsmay be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A trailer of a semi-trailer truck, comprising: asensor array affixed to a surface of the trailer to automaticallydetermine whether a cargo area of the semi-trailer truck is occupied; aset of cameras of the sensor array, wherein each camera of the set ofcameras is each embedded in individual recesses of the sensor array suchthat each of the set of cameras do not protrude from the sensor arrayinto the cargo area, and wherein each of the set of cameras to peer intothe cargo area of the semi-trailer truck; at least one light source toilluminate the cargo area; wherein a memory and a processor associatedwith the sensor array is configured to store at least one baseline imageof the cargo area of the trailer when the trailer is in an empty state,and wherein the processor is configured: to detect a triggering event,to illuminate the cargo area of the trailer using at least one lightsource, to capture a current image of the cargo area of the trailerusing at least one of the set of cameras, to compare each current imageof an interior cavity with the corresponding baseline image of a cargocavity, to determine a cargo status based upon a difference between thecurrent image and the baseline image, and to send the cargo status to adispatcher using a cellular modem.
 2. The trailer of the semi-trailertruck of claim 1 wherein the sensor array is affixed to an upper cornerof the trailer.
 3. The trailer of the semi-trailer truck of claim 1wherein the sensor array is affixed to a middle top-section of thetrailer, such that the sensor array is placed in a separate housing fromthe cargo area on an exterior face of the trailer.
 4. The trailer of thesemi-trailer truck of claim 1 wherein at least one light source is alight-emitting diode that is associated with each camera of the set ofcameras.
 5. The trailer of the semi-trailer truck of claim 1: whereineach camera of the set of cameras automatically take a photograph of thecargo area in view of each camera upon an occurrence of the triggeringevent, and wherein the triggering event is at least one of a traileropening event, a trailer closing event, a motion detection event throughat least one of a global positioning device and a motion sensor in thetrailer, a stopping event, a time-based event, a geographic-locationbased event, and a velocity based event.
 6. The trailer of thesemi-trailer truck of claim 1: wherein the sensor array to include abackup camera to observe a rear area of the trailer of the semi-trailertruck, wherein the backup camera is mounted to the sensor array, whereinthe backup camera to view at least one of a door of the trailer, aloading area of the trailer, and an area behind the trailer, and whereina driver of the trailer may view a video feed from the backup camerausing at least one of a wired connection and a wireless connectionbetween the backup camera and a display in a cabin area of thesemi-trailer truck.
 7. The trailer of the semi-trailer truck of claim 1,wherein a field of view of each of the set of cameras to at leastpartially overlap with the field of view of at least another of the setof cameras.
 8. The trailer of the semi-trailer truck of claim 1, whereinthe sensor array is powered by at least one of a battery, thesemi-trailer truck, and a solar array mounted on the trailer.
 9. Thetrailer of the semi-trailer truck of claim 1: wherein the sensor arrayto communicatively generate a composite view of the cargo area using theset of cameras, wherein the sensor array to communicate the compositeview to at least one of the cabin area of the semi-trailer truck and acentral server communicatively coupled with the semi-trailer truckthrough an Internet network using the processor and the memory of thesemi-trailer truck, and wherein the cellular modem to periodicallyprovide a reporting of a location of the semi-trailer truck capturedwith a geographic positioning receiver to the central server along withthe composite view using the processor and the memory.
 10. A trailer ofa semi-trailer truck, comprising: a sensor array affixed to a surface ofthe trailer to automatically determine whether a cargo area of thesemi-trailer truck is occupied; a set of cameras of the sensor array,wherein each camera of the set of cameras is each recessed relative toan interior region of the cargo area, and wherein each of the set ofcameras to peer into the cargo area of the semi-trailer truck; wherein amemory and a processor associated with the sensor array is configured tostore at least one baseline image of the cargo area of the trailer whenthe trailer is in an empty state, and wherein the processor isconfigured: to detect a triggering event, to illuminate the cargo areaof the trailer using at least one light source, to capture a currentimage of the cargo area of the trailer using at least one of the set ofcameras, to compare each current image of an interior cavity with thecorresponding baseline image of a cargo cavity, to determine a cargostatus based upon a difference between the current image and thebaseline image, and to send the cargo status to a dispatcher using acellular modem.
 11. The trailer of the semi-trailer truck of claim 10wherein the sensor array is affixed to an upper corner of the trailer.12. The trailer of the semi-trailer truck of claim 10 wherein the sensorarray is affixed to a middle top-section of the trailer, such that thesensor array is placed in a separate housing from the cargo area on anexterior face of the trailer.
 13. The trailer of the semi-trailer truckof claim 10 further comprising at least one light source to illuminatethe cargo area, and wherein at least one light source is alight-emitting diode that is associated with each camera of the set ofcameras.
 14. The trailer of the semi-trailer truck of claim 10: whereineach camera of the set of cameras automatically take a photograph of thecargo area in view of each camera upon an occurrence of the triggeringevent, and wherein the triggering event is at least one of a traileropening event, a trailer closing event, a motion detection event throughat least one of a global positioning device and a motion sensor in thetrailer, a stopping event, a time-based event, a geographic-locationbased event, and a velocity based event.
 15. The trailer of thesemi-trailer truck of claim 10: wherein the sensor array to include abackup camera to observe a rear area of the trailer of the semi-trailertruck, wherein the backup camera is mounted to the sensor array, whereinthe backup camera to view at least one of a door of the trailer, aloading area of the trailer, and an area behind the trailer, and whereina driver of the trailer may view a video feed from the backup camerausing at least one of a wired connection and a wireless connectionbetween the backup camera and a display in a cabin area of thesemi-trailer truck.
 16. The trailer of the semi-trailer truck of claim10, wherein a field of view of each of the set of cameras to at leastpartially overlap with the field of view of at least another of the setof cameras.
 17. The trailer of the semi-trailer truck of claim 10,wherein the sensor array is powered by at least one of a battery, thesemi-trailer truck, and a solar array mounted on the trailer.
 18. Thetrailer of the semi-trailer truck of claim 10, wherein the sensor arrayto communicatively generate a composite view of the cargo area using theset of cameras, wherein the sensor array to communicate the compositeview to at least one of the cabin area of the semi-trailer truck and acentral server communicatively coupled with the semi-trailer truckthrough an Internet network using the processor and the memory of thesemi-trailer truck, and wherein the cellular modem to periodicallyprovide a reporting of a location of the semi-trailer truck capturedwith a geographic positioning receiver to the central server along withthe composite view using the processor and the memory.
 19. A trailer ofa semi-trailer truck, comprising: a sensor array affixed to a surface ofthe trailer to automatically determine whether a cargo area of thesemi-trailer truck is occupied; a set of cameras of the sensor array,wherein each camera of the set of cameras is each embedded in individualrecesses of the sensor array such that each of the set of cameras areinterior to a flush plane of the surface to prevent cargo from damagingeach camera, and wherein each of the set of cameras to peer into thecargo area of the semi-trailer truck; at least one light source toilluminate the cargo area; wherein a memory and a processor associatedwith the sensor array is configured to store at least one baseline imageof the cargo area of the trailer when the trailer is in an empty state,and wherein the processor is configured: to detect a triggering event,to illuminate the cargo area of the trailer using at least one lightsource, to capture a current image of the cargo area of the trailerusing at least one of the set of cameras, to compare each current imageof an interior cavity with the corresponding baseline image of a cargocavity, to determine a cargo status based upon a difference between thecurrent image and the baseline image, and to send the cargo status to adispatcher using a cellular modem, and wherein the sensor array toinclude a backup camera to observe a rear area of the trailer of thesemi-trailer truck, wherein the backup camera is mounted to the sensorarray, wherein the backup camera to view at least one of a door of thetrailer, a loading area of the trailer, and an area behind the trailer,and wherein a driver of the trailer may view a video feed from thebackup camera using at least one of a wired connection and a wirelessconnection between the backup camera and a display in a cabin area ofthe semi-trailer truck.
 20. The trailer of the semi-trailer truck ofclaim 19, wherein the sensor array to communicatively generate acomposite view of the cargo area using the set of cameras, wherein thesensor array to communicate the composite view to at least one of thecabin area of the semi-trailer truck and a central servercommunicatively coupled with the semi-trailer truck through an Internetnetwork using the processor and the memory of the semi-trailer truck,and wherein the cellular modem to periodically provide a reporting of alocation of the semi-trailer truck captured with a geographicpositioning receiver to the central server along with the composite viewusing the processor and the memory.